Applicant Briefings for Local Counties Start the Assistance Process 

Release Date: April 22, 2008
Release Number: 3285-004

» More Information on Wisconsin Snow

MADISON, Wis. -- State and Federal officials will hold two briefings to help State, eligible local governments and non-profit organizations in the three add-on counties apply for federal disaster assistance in the wake of the February 5 - 6 severe snow storm.  The designated counties are Kenosha, Racine and Waukesha Counties.

The joint announcement was made by Wisconsin Emergency Management's - State Coordinating Officer (WEM-SCO) Larry Reed and U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Federal Coordinating Officer Bob Colangelo. Officials from WEM and FEMA will provide information about the scope of the public assistance program.

The briefings are scheduled for:

Monday, April 28       Kenosha and Racine Counties
10 a.m.                         Kenosha County Center
19600 75th Street
Bristol, WI  53104

Tuesday, April 29       Waukesha County
10 a.m.                         Fox Brook Park
2925 North Barker Rd.
Brookfield, WI  53045

After the briefings, teams of state and federal inspectors will schedule meetings with local officials to review eligibility, associated costs and prepare project worksheets.

The disaster aid will cover equipment usage, contracts, and personnel overtime related to emergency services in dealing with the snow for a 48-hour period.  These are the crucial hours when work crews clear snow from emergency routes and roads to critical facilities to permit the passage of emergency vehicles.  Related emergency protective measures such as sanding and salting, search and rescue, shelter operations, and police and fire department response may also be eligible for reimbursement.

Under the emergency declaration, FEMA will provide reimbursement to local and state agencies for 75% of the total eligible costs, the state of Wisconsin will cover 12.5%, and the remaining 12.5% is the applicant's share.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 22-Apr-2008 15:32:32